Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation Grant, FY 2025-2026

The Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation (the Institute), a committee of the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board), operates under Executive Order B-52-18 and is funded through the Timber Yield Tax. The Institute’s mission is to facilitate innovation in California’s forest products sector by supporting research and development that promotes sustainable forest management and the growth of a diverse, climate-smart wood products industry. Through its grantmaking activities, the Institute aims to address market and workforce gaps, support innovation in wood utilization, and recommend policy changes that enhance the viability and sustainability of the forest products industry. The grant program supports a wide array of eligible activities, including feasibility studies, technology development, feedstock supply analysis, permitting strategies, and engineering related to wood and biomass products. Additionally, grants can support software development, affordable workforce housing in forest-dependent communities, research into product compliance, and market analyses. Priority is given to projects that promote innovative products or technologies, develop forestry and bioenergy markets, and address gaps in the forestry workforce and industry entry barriers. Projects must contribute to the long-term sustainability and health of forest ecosystems, carbon storage, and enhanced utilization of forest-derived products such as wood, biofuels, and bioenergy. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, local, state, and federal agencies, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations, and private entities such as businesses or researchers with a demonstrated or potential contribution to forest restoration and wood utilization in California. Existing grantees may reapply but must demonstrate satisfactory progress and capacity to manage additional grants. All applicants must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, especially if any proposal personnel are affiliated with the Institute. The grant ceiling is $450,000 and the floor is $5,000. Each year, $450,000 in total funding is expected to be available, with a three-year spending cycle per fiscal year fund. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2028. Funding is disbursed on a reimbursement basis, and no pre-award costs will be reimbursed. Eligible expenses include salaries, benefits, contractual expenses, travel, supplies, and certain equipment. Indirect costs are capped at 15% of total direct costs. Matching contributions are not required but can increase competitiveness. Applications must be submitted by August 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The review process takes place between August and September 2025, with award notifications expected in October 2025. Proposals must include a detailed scope of work (limited to five evaluated pages), project impact, readiness, a budget and justification, and supporting documentation such as letters of support and qualifications. Monthly progress reports and quarterly presentations are mandatory, and final deliverables include an ADA-compliant report, a one-page summary, and public presentations to the Institute and Board. The contact for the grant is Katie Harrell, who can be reached at katie.harrell@bof.ca.gov or (916) 698-1035. All applications must be submitted in a single email to this contact. Applicants are advised to review all eligibility and project readiness requirements, as awards are contingent on compliance and timely documentation. Final invoices are due by April 30, 2028. Additional conditions include prevailing wage requirements effective after July 1, 2026, and audits may be conducted up to three years after project completion.

Emphasize project alignment with Institute goals and demonstrate readiness with clear deliverables and partner support